Member News
Schools secretary Ed Balls has announced £3.5bn worth of investment for rebuilding and refurbishing primary schools.
Under the Primary Capital programme, the government has pledged at least £7bn to either rebuild or refurbish half of the current primary school stock by 2022-23.
Funding is to be released to 133 local authorities so they can go ahead with construction work.
The government said it would seek to provide specialist advice to 15 more councils so that their plans can be begin to be realised within three months.
Balls described this is as "a once-in-a-generation chance" that will "benefit every single primary, secondary, academy and special school in England".
He added: "Today's announcement means we can build state-of-the-art primary schools at the heart of our communities – so every child and family has access to year-round extended childcare; parenting support, after schools activities, and access to ICT, sports and arts facilities."
The schools secretary went on to say that due to the problems facing the economy, "It's vital that we sustain our investment in public services".
"This huge capital investment will not only improve the education of our children, but help to support jobs in the construction industry and local businesses who will be crucial to fitting out the new and refurbished schools," said Balls.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd